BLiu

First off, this is a friendly debate so that we don't misunderstand each other...

Although I agree that SRT has a 700HP Lexus IT is the ONLY one out there. The M5 is a production car with MANY on the road. Secondly, I hope to see better times with a 700HP Lexus but that is another story and I don't want to ruffle SRT's feathers either so I reserve judgment until they post track times and results for there new SC kit.

Finally, for you to say that the M5 is just a 540 with body, intake, exhaust, and engine mods you have missed the beauty of the design and engineering that went into the M5. This is a 4.0 Liter engine modified to 5.0 Liters reinforced with Titanium rods, crankshaft and pistons. This is a NORMAL-ASPIRATED 5.0 Litre engine that puts out 400HP at the crank. Sure, it is NO Ferrari, BUT can you name another production 5.0L V8 engine that can put out these numbers with a normally aspirated engine without performing major engine work and modification (which, by the way, costs a lot do as well)? Don't forget to add the fact that it has four doors with luxury appointments. It may not be as reliable as a Lexus but will SRT provide a full factory warranty for 4 yrs/50K miles like BMW will on their M5? Until Lexus and not some tuner (TRD or Tom's) can put out a RELIABLE all-motor V8 with the same HP to Liter ratio, the M5 should still command some respect from an auto enthusiast's perspective...something to think about.

Peace and no flames intended.
Brent

GSPOWER

Actually the 540, despite the name, is a 4.4 L engine producing 282 HP - 64 hp/liter. The GS400 is a 4.0 L engine producing 300 HP - 75 hp/liter. Makes you wonder what would happen if Toyota makes a 5.0 V8 like the M5 - 450 hp ???

BLiu

Woops, my bad...I forgot the 540 does indeed have a 4.4L engine...Sorry, it's Friday...

I agree GSPOWER, if Toyota came out with a 5.0L V8 LOOK OUT!!!! The M5 is already 80 hp/liter though so I don't know if Toyota could do it at 450 HP - that's Ferrari territory - maybe in their new GTSX (? name could be totally off) super sports car coming out in the next few years....

Unfortunately, I don't think they think it's a marketable engine because traditionally, V8's are not popular in Japan and the V8 was really built for the American market.

I am sure the cost would be within 5-7K of an M5 though....I want ONE!!!!

To play devil's advocate, I think BMW's 5.0L V8 got a lot more potential and I am sure we will see improvements in the next few years...We better tell Toyota to get on the ball!!!!

Brent

GSPOWER

There's a rumor that Toyota is coming out with a 4500GT with a 4.5 V8 with about 400hp to battle the next NSX, and other exotics. Maybe it should be the 5000GT instead Here's a link...




http://www.busybeetoys.com/SCOOP/scoop-edn30.htm

BLiu

Yup, that's the one! I knew there was a GT in it somewhere...

Brent

nanotech

iTrader: (2)

First of all, I want to say, very nice discussion.

Secondly, thanks for the information about the BMW 7-series. My uncle is looking for a 97-99 Mercedes S500 and I recommended a 750i instead, since no body in our family has a BMW yet, he would be different. Plus it looks nice. I guess I was very wrong.

He already has an LS400, he wants to trade it up for a S500. The S5's are nice, but I think the 2000 S500 is nicer!

BLiu

Yes, the previous S class was way too bulky IMHO...If he were to choose between the previous S-Class and the 7Series, the 7-Series is a lot more nimble and better looking for that large size of a car but as usual there are maintenance issues...You should tell your uncle to get a GS4 instead...

Brent

nanotech

iTrader: (2)

He was looking at a GS4 too, but he thinks the rear is cramped. He isn't like huge or anything, kinda short actually, but he likes wide open spaces.

His current two cars are a LS400, which is huge, and a Sienna (for his kids), which is huge too. So obviously he would think the GS's rear interior is cramped.

GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

I really like the previous gen S class.......... The S class is suppose to be a resemblance of power, money, and high-class. New S is too sporty to represent some of those. I just think that even tho it's good to be moving to the younger, sportier side, what the S-class represents in the first place cannot be forgotten.


Abut the M5 discussion.
Like I said before, yes 5.0 V8 400hp very impressive. But impressive engines are not necessarily the BEST engines. And yah if I get a M5 at 540 price I'll sell it, and buy a GS300 and do all sort of things.

GS4Will

actually in recent issues of motortrend mgs, toyota already claimed that the gs/ls 430 engine is good for upto ~400-425 hp. so not mcuh more $$$ is needed for R&D.

BLiu

Hey Will,

Toyota should just pull the trigger and produce an M5-killer...!

Brent

LexRX

Biggie, great story! I wish I could've been there. Dealers always say that there cars are better and have this and that better than the competition even when it is not true - glad you could prove them wrong. Really, car shopping story ever!!

BLiu

I just stumbled upon a tuner in Denmark (Nowack) that has pulled 503 HP out of the M5 Engine N/A! Wow...

Brent

98gs4

Are they really that bad??? I was leaning towards the 540 before I bought my GS4. I think the exterior is definetly good looking, but something told me that the GS would keep me happy... Just my thoughts.


98 GS400 32,000 miles and growing...

PS - Does anyone rec. a good replacement free floating sub for the car?

BLiu

I am sure if you go on the BMW forums they would disagree. I have had a 99 528 for over 2 years now with over 30K miles. I take it everywhere with no seriousproblems from LA to Utah...

Only problem encountered was a bad fuel gauge early on (2K miles) which read the wrong fuel level so I ran out of gas on the freeway...Not Good...That's about it though...

Brent